Can CBD Help My Pet? A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

At Happy Trails Medicinals, we know your pets aren’t just animals — they’re family. As dog owners ourselves, we’ve been there. When we welcomed our first child, we worried how our anxious, high-energy pup Jax would adjust. After adding CBD to his routine two years ago, we watched him transform. He’s still playful and full of life, but his temperament is more balanced and calm, even around our three small children.

Stories like Jax’s are why so many pet parents are exploring CBD for pets as a natural way to support their animals’ wellness.

What Is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. In states like Wisconsin, where marijuana remains illegal, CBD products are derived from hemp and contain only trace amounts of THC.

CBD works by interacting with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a regulatory network that helps maintain balance in key functions such as:

• Mood
• Immune response
• Appetite
• Pain perception
• Memory
• Sleep

When the ECS is out of balance, the body may struggle to regulate these functions. Supplementing with hemp-derived CBD can help support this system — and that’s true for pets as well as humans.

Pets Have an Endocannabinoid System Too

Most mammals, including dogs and cats, have an ECS. That means they can benefit from plant-derived cannabinoids just like we do.

The ECS plays a role in regulating:

• Immune health
• Mood and stress responses
• Pain and inflammation
• Sleep cycles
• Appetite
• Neurological function

Because pets experience many of the same imbalances humans do (pain, stress, inflammation, seizures, digestive issues, and more), CBD has become a promising natural option for supporting their overall wellness.

What Can CBD Help With in Pets?

Research is still emerging, but many pet owners and an increasing number of veterinarians use CBD to support the following concerns:

Pain & Inflammation

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, working through some of the same pathways as common pain medications. This makes it especially helpful for:

• Osteoarthritis, which affects many dogs as they age
• Back pain, including conditions like IVDD
• Joint discomfort and stiffness
• Soft-tissue inflammation

Many pet parents also report improvement in neuropathic pain, although more studies are needed.

Seizures

CBD has been widely studied in humans for epilepsy and is now being evaluated in dogs. Early research shows promising results, including reduced seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy when CBD is used alongside standard anti-seizure medications.

More research is needed, but the early data is encouraging for using CBD as part of a seizure-management plan under veterinary guidance.

Anxiety & Stress

Fireworks, thunderstorms, loud noises, separation, and past trauma can all trigger anxiety in pets. While CBD may not “cure” anxiety, many experts believe its benefits come from:

• Reducing inflammation and physical discomfort
• Supporting relaxation
• Acting as a mild sedative at higher doses

For many of our customers, CBD has helped their pets feel calmer, safer, and more at ease in stressful situations.

Cancer-Related Symptoms

Although research in pets is limited, cannabinoids like CBD have shown potential in lab studies for:

• Reducing tumor growth
• Slowing cancer cell spread
• Supporting immune function

CBD has also been studied for its ability to reduce nausea, especially in animals undergoing chemotherapy. While it is not a cure for cancer, it may help improve comfort and quality of life for some pets.

Are There Side Effects of CBD for Pets?

CBD is generally considered safe for most dogs and cats. Side effects are usually mild and similar to those seen in humans:

• Drowsiness: Often seen at higher doses, and can be useful for anxiety or stressful events.
• Dry mouth: Reduced saliva production may cause increased thirst.
• Low blood pressure: Large doses may cause a temporary drop in blood pressure and lightheadedness.

Most side effects are dose-dependent and short-lived. In larger doses, some pets may become sleepy or mildly sedated, which can actually be helpful when addressing anxiety or highly stressful situations.

Always talk to your veterinarian before starting a CBD regimen, especially if your pet is taking other medications. So far, no major drug interactions have been recorded in dogs, but it’s important to be cautious with any supplement.

How Do I Give CBD to My Pet?

There are several easy ways to add CBD to your pet’s routine. At Happy Trails Medicinals, we offer multiple formats so you can choose what works best for your furry friend.

CBD Oils

CBD oils are great for precise dosing and can be:

• Placed directly in your pet’s mouth with a syringe
• Mixed into food
• Added to treats

Our customers love the flexibility of oils for long-term support.

Try this customer favorite:
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture by Root Therapeutics

CBD Treats

CBD pet treats are a simple (and delicious) way to give your pet CBD. They’re pre-dosed, easy to use, and perfect for picky eaters.

Shop our top-selling CBD Pet Treats:
CBD Pet Treats — The Village Pharm

Topicals

CBD topicals, such as salves, sprays, and creams, are applied directly to the skin and can help with:

• Localized inflammation
• Skin irritation and hot spots
• Joint or muscle soreness
• Minor swelling

Topicals are a great option for targeted relief and can be used alongside oils or treats.

The Future of CBD for Pets

Research on CBD for pets is growing, and we expect more detailed studies in the coming years. As new information becomes available, you can count on Happy Trails Medicinals to keep you updated and to continue offering safe, high-quality CBD options for your furry family members.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you’re curious about trying CBD for your dog or cat, need help choosing a product, or want guidance on dosing, we’re happy to help. Stop into a Happy Trails location or give us a call.

Find our locations and learn more at HappyTrailsMed.com.

Reference

Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067185